When sitting down with Tom Spina, president and CEO of Luminer Converting Group, several months back, we discussed many of the trends impacting the industry today. While issues like sustainability and the supply chain are front and center for so many, it was the workforce challenge that he identified as the biggest looming problem for the label and package printing industry.

“Having young people, especially, come into the business to learn how to be mechanically-oriented and work in operator positions is the biggest problem this industry has,” he said.

That message has resonated, too. During the recent TLMI Converter Meeting and FLAG Annual Members Meeting, attracting – and retaining – workers was highlighted at length. In fact, I delved into this topic during my presentation on the opening morning of the FLAG Annual Meeting. The subsequent panel discussion was dedicated entirely to the topic, and the event closed with Brian Van de Water’s deep dive into company culture.

It’s no secret that hiring workers now is tougher than it has ever been. In February of this year, more than 4.4 million Americans quit their jobs as part of  “The Great Resignation.” Prospective employees are identifying a number of important criteria, from work-life balance to pay to company culture. Employers are then faced with paying 20% premiums for new hires, and delivering an average pay increase north of 4%, according to Harvard Business Trends. 

But how do we make our industry attractive to the next generation? For starters, college tuition has routinely ballooned over $70,000 a year. Not to mention, many people are uniquely skilled for a manufacturing job, one that doesn’t require massive sums of college debt. Plus, the industry is more exciting than most would think. Many of the industry’s leaders, from suppliers to converters, boast rich histories that are worth highlighting. For example, DWS Printing & Packaging dates back to the Civil War.

In Rock LaManna’s “The Deal Flow Guy” column this month (page 38), he talks about “dreaming big.”  There is a lot to be proud of for those working in this industry. During the pandemic, these essential businesses kept the economy afloat by getting labels to brands in any number of key market segments. As Robert Parker, owner of Label King, once noted, “What we’re doing keeps the nation going. It may not seem all that important because it’s just a label, but the reality is what we do is very important and will continue to be important…What we do is tangible and visible. Our industry is exciting for the people who are passionate about it, and there are a lot of people who are very passionate about this industry and do an amazing job.”

When the next applicant walks through the door, make sure they know about it, too.



Greg Hrinya, Editor
[email protected]